Madison - We've been keeping you updated on the new mining proposal introduced by Republican lawmakers last week.

Today the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is warning its mining approval process could take years.

The bill is intended to streamline mining requirements.

Republicans say the changes will jump-start mining in the state and create thousands of jobs. Democrats counter it would be years before any jobs materialize.
Any mine that affects federal wetlands would need Corps approval.

Senator Tom Tiffany wrote the GOP bill. He says mining applicants would have to notify the Corps as soon as they decide to file a State permit application. He doesn't believe the Corps' review process will lead to major delays.